Birnbeck Pier is a historic landmark in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. It is the only pier in the country to connect to an island, and it has a rich and varied history.

However, it is important to note that the pier is currently in a dangerous condition and is not safe to access. It is also illegal to go onto the pier without permission.

Despite this, Birnbeck Pier is an exceptional place for photos, especially if you have a drone. The pier offers stunning views of the Bristol Channel and the surrounding coastline.

If you are planning to visit Birnbeck Pier, please be aware of the dangers and do not go onto the pier without permission. You can still take amazing photos of the pier from the shore, or you can use a drone to get a bird's-eye view.

Birnbeck Pier: A Historic Landmark Saved from the Brink

Birnbeck Pier is a Grade II* listed pier in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. It is the only pier in the country to connect to an island, and it has a rich and varied history.

The pier was designed by Eugenius Birch and opened to the public in 1867. It was originally built to serve as a landing stage for passenger steamer services around the Bristol Channel, but it quickly became a popular tourist destination in its own right. The pier featured a variety of attractions, including a funfair, rides, and a restaurant.

During World War II, Birnbeck Pier was taken over by the Admiralty and used as a secret base for weapons testing. After the war, the pier fell into disrepair and eventually closed to the public in 1996.

In recent years, there have been a number of attempts to restore Birnbeck Pier. In 2020, North Somerset Council acquired the pier through a Compulsory Purchase Order. The council is now working with the RNLI to restore the pier and bring it back to life.

The Birnbeck Pier Back from the Brink project is a £20 million initiative that aims to transform the dilapidated coastal landmark into a 'nationally unique destination'. The project is planned to complete in 2030 and will include the restoration of the pier's historic features, the construction of new visitor facilities, and the creation of a new RNLI lifeboat station.

Birnbeck Pier is an important part of Weston-super-Mare's heritage, and its restoration will be a major boost to the town's economy. The pier is also a valuable wildlife habitat, and the project will include measures to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the area.

Interesting facts about Birnbeck Pier:

  • The pier is 1,152 feet (351 meters) long and has a span of 432 feet (132 meters).
  • It is the only pier in the country to connect to an island, Birnbeck Island.
  • During World War II, Birnbeck Pier was used as a secret base for weapons testing. This included the development of the Barnes Wallis bouncing bomb, which was used to destroy German dams in 1943.
  • In 1963, The Beatles posed for a famous publicity photograph on Birnbeck Pier.
  • The pier is home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, bats, and seals.

Birnbeck Pier is a truly unique and historic landmark. Its restoration will be a major event for Weston-super-Mare and will provide visitors with a chance to experience a unique piece of British heritage.

Drone Video at Birnbeck Pier

I had been wanting to have a Drone Adventure at Birnbeck Pier for ages, so when my wife suggested a visit to Weston, I jumped at the chance. Here is my Drone Adventure video.

Map of Birnbeck Pier

A few photos that I took of Birnbeck Pier

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